Residents of Farmington voiced strong opposition to a proposed hyperscale data center during a recent government meeting, raising concerns over its size and potential impact on the community. The data center, projected to consume 760 megawatts of power—more than the output of the Monticello nuclear reactor—would become the seventh largest data center area globally.

A local resident highlighted the significant growth of the project, arguing that it has surpassed the original scope that state tax incentives were intended to support. The speaker criticized the planning process, noting that many community members were unaware of the project until late in the notification process, with notices only sent to properties within 350 feet of the site.

During the meeting, which was attended by a large number of concerned citizens, not a single positive comment was made regarding the data center. The planning commission, initially hesitant to vote on the proposal, ultimately proceeded with a unanimous decision to advance it, despite widespread community disapproval.

Residents called for a moratorium on data center construction in Minnesota until a task force can be established to develop appropriate regulations and standards for such large-scale projects. They expressed a desire for more community involvement and transparency in the planning process, urging city officials to reconsider their approach to development in light of the overwhelming public sentiment against the data center.